JP Nadda reviews development of Rural Health Training Centre in Najafgarh
New Delhi: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday reviewed the institutional progress and ongoing development of the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Najafgarh, New Delhi, under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
During the review, the Minister was apprised of the progress made by the institution across hospital and patient care services, diagnostic and support facilities, human resources, academic infrastructure, quality assurance and community-based healthcare delivery.
Addressing the gathering, Shri J.P. Nadda appreciated the commendable work undertaken by RHTC Najafgarh in strengthening its institutional infrastructure and healthcare services. He observed that the institution was progressing in the right direction and commended the efforts of the RHTC team in taking forward its development initiatives. He also acknowledged the significant contribution of Safdarjung Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in supporting the institution's growth and development. He expressed confidence that the continued efforts and collective commitment of all stakeholders would further strengthen RHTC as an important centre for patient care, medical education and community healthcare, the PIB stated.
Strengthening Hospital and Patient Care Services
RHTC Najafgarh has recorded substantial patient footfall during the August–October 2026 period. The institution attended to 94,927 patients in its Outpatient Department (OPD) across 10 specialities and provided emergency services to 35,985 patients. The hospital recorded 198 inpatient admissions during this period.
The institution also performed 691 surgeries, comprising 101 major and 590 minor surgeries. Its Anti-Rabies Centre and the Snake Bite Treatment facility also provided substantial service during the same time span.
The hospital is equipped with labour rooms, a pharmacy with an updated formulary of over 350 medicines, and dedicated Ayurvedic and Dental Clinics, further broadening the range of services available to patients.
Expansion of Diagnostic and Support Infrastructure
The review further highlighted the strengthening of diagnostic and support services at the institution. The laboratory is NABL-accredited, while the Ultrasound (USG) facility became operational on October 24, 2026, and has conducted 148 scans. The Physiotherapy and Audiometry units are functional, with 252 audiometry tests conducted between August and October 2026.
Other important facilities, including the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), Effluent Treatment Plant, Sewage Treatment Plant and Medical Gas Pipeline System, have also been completed.
The institution is working towards operationalising the Blood Storage Unit and Mortuary by January 2027. The CT Scan and X-ray facilities are planned to become operational during the first quarter of 2027.
Focus on Academic Infrastructure and Quality Assurance
RHTC has also strengthened its nursing education and training infrastructure. The ANM Training School has been renovated, with an annual intake capacity of 44 students for its two-year course. The institution also has an ANM hostel with a capacity of 60 beds.
The institution has undertaken quality improvement initiatives under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) for its three Urban Primary Health Centres. Of the 129 identified action points, 105 have been completed, while 24 are in progress. State-level evaluation and certification are targeted for December 2026, followed by national-level evaluation from February 2027 onwards.
The institution has also completed several important compliance-related activities, including biomedical waste management certification from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), e-waste management and Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) compliance. Energy, fire, structural and safety audits have been completed, while the water audit is in progress.
Future Development Roadmap
The review also covered the institution's short-, medium- and long-term development plans. In the short term, RHTC aims to operationalise specialised clinics, including Thalassemia, De-addiction, Adolescent Health, Venereal Disease, Rheumatology and Non-Communicable Disease clinics by December 2026.
The medium-term roadmap envisages the establishment of teaching departments in Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, with a target of operationalisation by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The longer-term vision includes the development of a B.Sc. Nursing College, Allied Health Sciences College, residential hostel and expansion of medical education facilities.
The process of upgrading RHTC into a 230-bedded hospital is already underway. The proposed expansion is expected to strengthen its capacity for patient care, medical education and institutional training.
The review also covered key operational requirements, including the availability of specialists, senior residents and other healthcare personnel, along with infrastructure and administrative matters necessary for the institution's further development.
